The Catholic Church in Trinidad and Tobago has declared Friday, March 16, a special day of prayer, fasting and almsgiving to seek God’s help against crime which has already claimed over 30 lives this year and affected many more.

One service has been prepared for use in parishes, senior schools, homes and offices and another for use in primary schools. The rite will include prayers for repentance, scripture readings and prayers for leaders of the nation and victim of crimes.

Vicar for Administration Fr Jason Gordon said last week that the day is meant to reach beyond the people in the pews to create a national awareness of the levels of commitment necessary to confront the high incidence of crime and violence.

The day comes as a result of a call by the Archdiocesan Pastoral Council – a body of lay leaders representing all parishes in the country – to Archbishop Edward Gilbert late last year.

Fr Jason said the special day was part of an initiative announced by Archbishop Gilbert, in January, to address the need for values formation in the country. The Archbishop wrote then to all heads of departments in the Archdiocese asking them to consider what each “can contribute to the pastoral response of the Church” to the serious challenge that crime poses. He has said repeatedly that values formation is at the heart of addressing the problem.

A particular attempt is being made to connect fasting with almsgiving. Citizens are being encouraged to give alms to an archdiocesan effort that will help in the fight against crime.

The Anthony Pantin Reintegration Centre, now under construction at San Rafael is the recommended charity. Through its rehabilitative programmes the centre aims to turn ex-offenders into productive, law-abiding citizens who are willing to serve family, community and country.

Donations may also be made to a charity of one’s choice. Contributions coming from this special day of prayer, fasting and almsgiving should be placed in specially marked envelopes  – “Lenten Almsgiving” – and handed into the parish office or to Archbishop’s House.